Interview with the Enemy: Baltimore Ravens

This Sunday, the New Orleans Saints will head to M&T Bank Stadium to deal with the Baltimore Ravens for Week 2 of the 2026 routine season. To simplify, Nikhil Mehta of Baltimore Beatdown joins us to sneak peek this weekend’s match.

NJ: Jesse Minter opened his head training period in Baltimore on a high note with a dominant 41-23 success over the Indianapolis Colts. What were some visible and rejuvenating distinctions in how he prepared his group and changed throughout the video game compared to John Harbaugh?

NM: The Ravens had no issue appearing like among the very best groups in football for big parts of their video games last season. Their offense regularly had a hard time out of the gate, and their defense had a hard time to hold leads late. Neither of those concerns appeared in Jesse Minter’s head training launching. In spite of getting typed the teeth by the Colts’ pass-happy offense to begin the video game, the Ravens rebounded instantly with an explosive play to Zay Flowers and 2 fast runs from Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson to type ball game. That trio ran their lead up to 18 points by halftime, however Indianapolis got a stop and a rating coming out of the half to return within 2 ownerships. Normally, at this moment, John Harbaugh’s Ravens would have begun to wilt, giving up explosive plays on defense and having a hard time to sustain drives on offense. Minter and offending planner Declan Doyle kept their foot on their gas and their gamers’ heads in the video game for atll 60 minutes.

NJ: Who are some noteworthy names who will be sidelined for the Ravens on Sunday versus the Saints?

NM: The Ravens might have as numerous as 4 Week 1 beginners sidelined on Sunday. Pass receiver Zay Flowers has actually been handling a hamstring problem for a couple of weeks and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. It would not be unexpected to see Baltimore take a mindful method with their $140 million financial investment. Outdoors linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger), left deal with Ronnie Stanley (toe), and left guard John Simpson (groin) were likewise DNPs on both days, making it really possible the Ravens are diminished in the trenches, too. Hendrickson in specific was exceptionally efficient in Week 1, however Baltimore’s depth at edge rush and the prospective return of Nnamdi Madubuike must restrict the prospective damage from his lack. The offending line is a various story. Second-year swing deal with Carson Vinson would remain in line to begin for Stanley, while Andrew Vorhees– who had a hard time strongly as the beginning left guard in 2015– would action in for Simpson. The previous comparing versus Chase Young might be a big issue.

NJ: What are some locations that New Orleans could possibly make use of based upon what you saw from Baltimore in the season opener?

NM: Jesse Minter is a severe movie addict. He is consumed with studying opposing plans to break their security codes and type in on their propensities. Colts head coach Shane Steichen utilized this versus him in Week 1, beginning his opening drive with 7 straight passes to put the Ravens defense on the back foot. Minter and Roquan Smith confessed after the video game that they were anticipating Indianapolis to attempt to develop the run early on. Steichen gladly provided that impression and lost consciousness of under-center and/or play-action appearances that got Indianapolis deep at a loss zone, where they lastly turned to running back Jonathan Taylor to punch it in. Offensively, the Ravens’ death video game cooled substantially without Flowers. With novice standout Ja’Kobi Lane likewise sidelined by a fractured wrist, Baltimore’s getting corps is unexpectedly a little thin. Rashod Bateman published career-lows in 2025 and was locked out in Week 1; the pressure will be on him to produce as the WR1 if Flowers is out.

NJ: Who is one Ravens gamer you believe Saints fans should watch on Sunday– somebody who may not get much nationwide attention however could have a strong efficiency?

NM: Outdoors linebacker Tavius Robinson was exceptional in Week 1, notching 4 quarterback hits and one sack while leading his positional group in snaps. The 2023 fourth-round choice is going into an agreement year without a strong opportunity at a long-lasting remain in Baltimore offered the Ravens’ financial investments in Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, and Zion Young over the previous 18 months. Robinson has actually been one of the group’s most-praised gamers by coaches and colleagues alike over the previous couple of years. His effective 6-foot-6 frame assisted him set a firm edge versus the go to begin his profession, however he may be progressing as a pass-rusher at the best time for his wallet. Robinson’s athleticism was an emphasize of his Week 1 play, revealing the capability to both consist of and pursue Daniel Jones in the backfield. If the Ravens get Shough on the work on Sunday, it will likely be Robinson searching him down.

NJ: According to FanDuel Sportsbookthe Ravens (-420) are presently 8.5-point favorites over the Saints (+330) in Sunday’s match; what is your last rating forecast?

NM: The Ravens’ injuries are stressing, however it was clear they were simply beginning to extend their legs in Week 1. From an outdoors viewpoint, it is difficult to understand what to make from the Saints today. They appear primed for a strong battle in the 2nd year of the Kellen Moore/Tyler Shough age. In the Harbaugh years, this would be a prime trap video game for Baltimore– their home opener coming off a strong win to begin the season– however Jesse Minter and his personnel are less most likely to take their eye off the ball. Their gamers need to follow. I believe the Ravens win this one 31-20 in a video game that feels much closer than the last rating recommends.

Thank you once again to Nikhil Mehta for joining us to sneak peek today’s match! You can take a look at the rest of his work here